Rifleman Q&A: M1 Garand Plastic Stocks

by
posted on April 16, 2024
M1 with plastic stock and one-piece handguard, M1 with unconventional plastic stock and one-piece handguard
Image courtesy of Rock Island Auction Co.

Q. Did the M1 Garand rifle ever use a plastic stock like the M14?


A. In 1941, Springfield Armory issued contracts to two commercial firms for the development of M1 rifle stocks made from synthetic resin, a plastic-like material. The stocks were tested and found to be “not suitable.” This interest in plastic stocks was prompted due to concerns of possible shortages of walnut for production of the M1 rifle. Even though there were no crippling shortages experienced, a modest amount of experimentation with plastic stocks continued through the end of World War II.

experimental reinforced-plastic M1 stocks
These Springfield Armory photos reveal details of experimental reinforced-plastic M1 stocks. Image courtesy of Springfield Armory NHS Archives/ National Park Service.


When the M1 rifle was put back into production in the early 1950s, interest in fiberglass-reinforced plastic stocks and handguards was resurrected. In the mid-to-late 1950s, several designs—including one with an unusual, re-designed comb and grip and a one-piece handguard—were fabricated and tested but never progressed beyond the experimental stage. When the M14 rifle was adopted in 1957, further development of plastic stocks for the Garand ceased. Early-production M14 rifles were still equipped with wooden stocks but were subsequently replaced by improved plastic stocks. By the time of the M16’s adoption in the mid-1960s, plastic stocks were the norm, and wooden stocks were generally viewed as anachronistic on military small arms.

Latest

KelTec PR57
KelTec PR57

KelTec’s PR57: Thinking Outside The (Detachable) Box

KelTec has brought the stripper clip back with the thoroughly unconventional PR57—a carry pistol with an uncommon chambering, an unusual action and no box magazine.

The Armed Citizen® June 9, 2025

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

More Western States Opening Large Shooting Ranges

A number of states in the western U.S. have opened or are planning to open large, versatile ranges to serve the growing need for publicly accessible shooting spaces.

Preview: Sneaky Pete Distressed Leather Perfect Holster

More than just a fresh look made using handcrafted leather, the Sneaky Pete Distressed Leather Perfect Holster has been redesigned to accommodate extra ammunition in addition to a concealed firearm.

New For 2025: Rost Martin RM1S & RM1C Comped

Two new models joined the Rost Martin handgun lineup in 2025, one with subcompact dimensions and another with a built-in compensator that promises to reduce recoil substantially.

CMP Resumes M1911 Pistol Sales

As of January 2025, the Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) had resumed sales of surplus U.S. Army M1911/M1911A1 pistols to qualified U.S. citizens.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.